Robert Durocher
Robin and David Young
When Robert Durocher joined the AGO as Richard and Elizabeth Currie Chief, Education & Programming in the fall of 2024, it marked a return to the site of some of his most formative experiences. As a printmaking student at OCAD University, he visited the AGO several times to view and study the museum’s collection of prints. He also completed one of his practical placements for the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the AGO, where he helped create kits that facilitated intergenerational conversation about art.
“I’ve always been connected to the AGO and art education,” he says of his decision to take on his role as leader of the museum’s Education & Programming department. “This was an opportunity to help ensure that everyone who wants access to art and learning has it.”
For David and Robin Young, this vision was an opportunity to continue their generous philanthropic support of the AGO. “The AGO is a respected leader in education in the museum world and supporting it is exciting and rewarding,” Robin says.
Robert understands that his team has an integral part to play in the experience of visitors of all ages. From preschool children in the Dr. Mariano Elia Hands-On Centre to school groups to adult courses, he says educational programs “enhance a person’s experience with art and create those transformative moments where people walk away with new ways of thinking about the world.”
Making these moments accessible for everyone is the foundation for Robert’s vision for the next several years of art-based educational and public programming at the AGO. Quality and accessibility are equally important in his mind.
“We’re really being intentional about intergenerational programming that engages people of all ages,” he says. “How does someone my age come with a parent? How does a grandparent or a caregiver visit with a younger person? How does our programming continue to expand on our permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, and activate all parts of the museum to engage people in learning, thinking, questioning, and creating?”
The support of the AGO’s philanthropic community is instrumental in helping Robert and his team answer these questions. And among the most passionate supporters of art education at the AGO are Robin and David, who made a $1 million, five-year commitment in 2024.
The Youngs’ generosity was inspired in part by their own longstanding relationship with the museum. A member of the AGO’s Board of Trustees and a steadfast supporter for over two decades, Robin has seen the impact of art education firsthand.
“I have watched learning at the AGO move beyond school tours and Saturday morning classes—which our daughter attended—to full-on performances and classes for all ages and abilities," Robin says. “We were also one of the lead supporters of Virtual School Programs, which launched in 2020 and now reach people all over the world.”
“Obviously the need is there—and the AGO delivers.”
Robert is deeply grateful to have the backing of the Youngs and sees a direct connection between philanthropy and his vision of making art education accessible to everyone.
“With their generosity, David and Robin are ensuring that we have spaces in our summer camp for kids who might not otherwise be able to come and helping us offer more tours for school groups,” he says, citing just two examples. “When there’s sustained giving, we know we can create programs that enable access and speak to our diverse audiences.”